2006 FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 1 of 39

Transcription

1 2006 FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 1 of 39

2 Table of Contents Section 1 Introduction Overview About FIRST What is The FIRST Vex Challenge? Gracious Professionalism A FIRST Credo The FIRST Vex Challenge 2006 Season... 7 Section 2 The Game Overview Game Description Game Definitions Game Rules Scoring Scoring in Autonomous Mode Safety Rules General Game Rules Hangin -A-Round Specific Game Rules Section 3 The Tournament Overview Tournament Definitions Practice Matches Qualifying Matches Schedule Rankings Elimination Matches Alliance Selection Process Match Ladder Elimination Scoring Tournament Rules Small Tournament Structure FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 2 of 39

3 Section 4 The Robot Overview Robot Rules Autonomous Programming Guidelines Section 5 Engineering Notebooks Overview What is an Engineering Notebook? The Notebook Guidelines/Format Judge s Tips Virtual Help Notebook Examples Section 6 At The Event Overview Tournament Event Agendas Courtesies and rules Competition Overview Practice Rounds Judge s Interviews Match List Scouting Early Matches Team Spirit Team Styling Banners and Flags Overview FIRST Vex Challenge Awards Eligibility FIRST Vex Challenge Award Categories FIRST Vex Challenge Inspire Award FIRST Vex Challenge Amaze Award FIRST Vex Challenge Innovate Award FIRST Vex Challenge Connect Award FIRST Vex Challenge Think Award FIRST Vex Challenge Winning Alliance Award Judging Process, Schedule, and Team Preparation FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 3 of 39

4 7.4.1 Judging Process Judging Schedule Team Preparation FIRST Vex Challenge Championship Event Eligibility Section 8 Team Resources Overview FIRST Contact Information Getting Answers to Your Questions Technical Support Team Development Support Using the FIRST and FVC Logos FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 4 of 39

5 Section Introduction Table of Contents Section 1 Introduction Overview About FIRST What is The FIRST Vex Challenge? Gracious Professionalism A FIRST Credo The FIRST Vex Challenge 2006 Season FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 5 of 39

6 Section 1 Introduction 1.1 Overview This section provides an introduction to FIRST and the FIRST Vex Challenge program. 1.2 About FIRST to create a world where science and technology are celebrated where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes. FIRST Founder, Dean Kamen FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people s interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, New Hampshire. FIRST is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. A volunteer-driven organization, FIRST is built on partnerships with individuals as well as businesses, educational institutions, and government. Some of the world s most respected companies provide funding, mentorship time and talent, and equipment to make FIRST s mission a reality. As a team coach, you join over 43,000 committed and effective volunteers who are key to introducing over 90,000 youth to the joy of problem solving through engineering. FIRST already provides two well-known programs, the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) for high-schoolaged students and FIRST LEGO League (FLL) for 9 to 14 year-olds. Also located at FIRST headquarters is the research and development facility called FIRST Place. FIRST Place is integral to game design, new program development, evaluation and professional development of all FIRST robotics programs team coaches. Since 1992, the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) has challenged high-school students working with professional mentors to solve an engineering design problem in an intense and competitive way. The program is a life-changing, career-molding experience and a lot of fun. In 2006, the competition reached thousands of students on close to 1,125 teams in 32 regional competitions and one Championship event. Our teams come from Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, Israel, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and almost every U.S. state. We want to change the culture by celebrating the mind. We need to show kids that it s more fun to design and create a video game than it is to play one. Dean Kamen, Founder, FIRST Dean Kamen is President of DEKA Research & Development Corporation; a dynamic company focused on the development of revolutionary new technologies that span a diverse set of applications. As an inventor, physicist, and entrepreneur, Dean has dedicated his life to developing technologies that help people lead better lives. Dean s proudest accomplishment is founding FIRST FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 6 of 39

7 1.3 What is The FIRST Vex Challenge? FIRST is creating a new initiative the FIRST Vex Challenge. The Vex Robotics Design System, available from Innovation First, Inc., challenges students creative problem-solving skills by enabling them to build robots that do amazing things. The Vex System allows students to design and construct robotic devices which can be autonomously programmed or radio controlled to perform various tasks that expand the boundaries of experimental intelligence. The FIRST Vex Challenge grew out of the existing FIRST Robotics Competition and the FIRST Robovation platform. FIRST, RadioShack, and Innovation First collaborated to develop an improved version of the FIRST Robovation kit. The new kit was significantly upgraded and is called the Vex Robotics Design System. FIRST creates the game/challenge and teams can use the Vex Robotics Design System kit to participate. FIRST Vex Challenge teams purchase the Vex Bundle Kit and Vex accessories come directly from Innovation First, Inc. The kits provide a level starting point for all teams. The game s rules and regulations are provided by FIRST. Students must maintain an Engineering Notebook to track their progress, successes, and disappointments throughout their design process. When you bring dedicated, enthusiastic students and a mentor together, they will produce a wide range of amazing machines that are ready for competition. 1.4 Gracious Professionalism A FIRST Credo Dr. Woodie Flowers, National Advisor for FIRST, speaks about gracious professionalism in this way: The FIRST spirit encourages doing high-quality, well informed work in a manner that leaves everyone feeling valued. Gracious professionalism seems to be a good descriptor for part of the ethos of FIRST. It is part of what makes FIRST different and wonderful. Gracious professionalism can and should mean different things to each of us. It is possible however, to outline some of its meanings: Gracious attitudes and behaviors are win-win. Gracious folks respect others and let that respect show in their actions. Gracious professionals make a valued contribution in a manner pleasing to others and to themselves as they possess special knowledge and are trusted by society to use that knowledge responsibly. In the long run, gracious professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you have acted with integrity and sensitivity. That s good stuff! The FIRST Vex Challenge is a student-centered activity and is about giving students a unique and stimulating experience. We want students to learn the value of teamwork and to respect everyone s ideas and contributions to the team. FIRST values are about appreciating our differences and learning what those differences add to our lives. FIRST programs succeed most fully when team members bring the FIRST values they learn back to their communities. 1.5 The FIRST Vex Challenge 2006 Season FIRST Vex Challenge teams will participate in the Hangin -A-Round challenge for the 2006 season. Each game match is made up of two distinct types of play operator-controlled and autonomous. Each tournament features alliances of two teams playing from opposite ends of the playing field. Teams will compete to score the most points by completing various tasks including, lifting softballs and placing them in goals, maneuvering an atlas ball over 4 times the size of the robot and hanging from a pipe structure. During an exciting build period, teams work as a group to overcome obstacles and meet challenges while learning from and interacting with their peers and adult mentors. Teams work together to build a Vex robot to compete in one of many Championship Tournaments across the country, and perhaps the FIRST Championship Event in Atlanta, GA, where they celebrate their accomplishments with other FIRST Vex 2006 FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 7 of 39

8 Challenge teams, family, and friends. After the hard work and a lot of fun, students come away with a greater appreciation of science and technology and how they might use it to positively impact the world around them. In addition, they cultivate life skills such as planning, brainstorming, collaboration, teamwork, leadership as well as research and technical skills FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 8 of 39

9 Section The Game Table of Contents Section 2 The Game Overview Game Description Game Definitions Game Rules Scoring Scoring in Autonomous Mode Safety Rules General Game Rules Hangin -A-Round Specific Game Rules FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 9 of 39

10 Section 2 The Game 2.1 Overview This section describes the FIRST Vex Challenge game for the 2006 season, called Hangin -A-Round. It also lists the game definitions and game rules. 2.2 Game Description Matches are played on a field initially set up as illustrated in the figures below. Two alliances one red and one blue composed of two teams each, compete in each match. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than your opponent alliance by placing softballs into your colored goals, possessing the atlas ball on your side of the field, and by being parked on the platform or hanging. A bonus is awarded to the alliance that has the most total ball points at the end of the Autonomous Period. There is a total of 46 softballs available as scoring objects in the game. Forty of these softballs will be found on the field, while three will be available to each alliance prior to the match. Note: The illustrations in this section of the manual are only provided to give a general visual understanding of the game. Teams should refer to the official field drawings available in appendix 5 for exact field dimensions, a full field BOM and exact details of field construction. Lower cost field options are also provided in appendix FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 10 of 39

11 2.3 Game Definitions Alliance A pre-assigned grouping of two teams that work together for a given match. Alliance Station The designated region where the drivers and coach stand during any match. Atlas Ball A 30 diameter inflated ball that is located on the center of the platform at the beginning of each match. Autonomous Period A 20-second time period in which the robots operate and react only to sensor inputs and to commands pre-programmed by the team into the onboard robot control system. Human control of the robot is not permitted during this time. Ball Either an Atlas ball or a softball FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 11 of 39

12 Bar The 33 tall, 36 wide, iron pipe structure (including hardware and fasteners) mounted to the platform. Coach - A student or adult mentor designated as the team advisor during the match and identified as the person wearing a coach badge. Driver - A student team member responsible for operating and controlling the Robot and wearing a Driver badge. Driver Controlled Period The 2:00 (two minute) time period in which the robots are operated by the drivers. Goal Either a high goal or a low goal. Hanging A robot is considered to be hanging when it is in contact with the bar, and no part of the robot is in contact with the platform or foam playing surface. High Goal One of the four 24 tall, triangular shaped field structures (two designated red, two designated blue) into which teams can score softballs. Low Goal - One of two regions (one designated red, one designated blue,) located in corners of the playing field into which teams can score softballs. The outer edge is defined by a 3/8 high, elevated lip. Match - A match consists of an autonomous period followed by a driver controlled period for a total time of 2:20 (two minutes, twenty seconds). Parked A robot is considered to be parked when it is in contact with the platform, and no part of the robot is in contact with the foam playing surface. Platform The 36 rotating square (including the Atlas ball positioning ring) located in the center of the playing field. Possessing An alliance is considered to be possessing the Atlas Ball when the majority of the ball is positioned in the alliance s zone. Robot Anything (which has passed inspection) a team places on the field prior to the start of a match. Scored A softball is scored in a goal if some part of the ball is within the two-dimensional space defined by the edges of the goal, and not touching a robot of the same alliance. Note: A goal extends infinitely perpendicular to the playing field surface within the goal boundaries. Softball A standard regulation softball 11 circumference (3.5 diameter) that is located in stacks of four at specified locations around the field. Stack A group of four softballs positioned in specified locations in random orientation around the playing field. Three softballs are set in a circle with one softball placed on top of the other three. Zone A half of the playing field designated for each alliance (blue or red). The division is marked by red and blue adjacent tape lines along the diagonal of the field which travels from the alliance station to the audience. Note: The zone extends infinitely perpendicular to the playing field surface within the field boundaries FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 12 of 39

13 2.4 Game Rules Scoring A softball that is scored in a low goal is worth one (1) point for the alliance that the low goal is designated for. A softball that is scored in a high goal is worth three (3) points for the alliance that the high goal is designated for. A robot that is parked at the end of the match is worth five (5) points for the corresponding alliance. A robot that is hanging at the end of the match is worth fifteen (15) points for the corresponding alliance. Possessing the Atlas ball doubles the value of all softballs scored in an alliance s designated goals Scoring in Autonomous Mode At the end of the autonomous period, the alliance that has more total ball points receives a ten (10) point bonus. Ball points include any scored softballs and can be doubled by possession of the Atlas ball Safety Rules <S1> If at any time the robot operation is deemed unsafe or has damaged the playing field, surface, or barriers, by the determination of the referees, the offending team may be disqualified. The robot will require re-inspection before it may again take the field. <S2> If a robot goes completely out-of-bounds (outside the playing field), it will be disabled for the remainder of the match. Note: The intent is NOT to penalize robots for having mechanisms that inadvertently cross the field border during normal game play General Game Rules <G1> At the beginning of a match, each robot must not exceed a volume of 18 inches wide by 18 inches long by 18 inches tall. An offending robot will be removed from the match at the Head Referee s discretion. a. Alignment devices (templates, tape measures, lasers, etc.) that are not part of the robot may NOT be used to assist with the positioning of the robot. <G2> Each team shall include up to two drivers and one coach. <G3> During a match, the drivers and coach must remain in their alliance station. <G4> Balls that leave the playing field are considered out of play. These balls will not be returned to the field. <G5> Drivers and coaches are prohibited from making intentional contact with any game or field object. The first instance of intentional contact will result in a warning, with any following instances resulting in a disqualification FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 13 of 39

14 <G6> During a match, robots may be remotely operated only by the drivers and/or by software running in the on-board control system. If a coach touches his/her team s controls anytime during a match, the robot will be disabled and the team disqualified. <G7> Scores will be calculated for all matches either immediately after the match or when all objects on the field come to rest. <G8> Robots may not intentionally detach parts during any match, or leave mechanisms on the field. If a detached component or mechanism is attached to a goal and prevents additional scoring of balls, the team will be disqualified. Multiple infractions may result in disqualification for the entire competition. <G9> Strategies aimed solely at the destruction, damage, tipping over, or entanglement of robots are not in the spirit of the FIRST Vex Challenge and are not allowed. However, Hangin -A-Round is a highly interactive contact game. Some tipping, entanglement, and damage may occur as a part of normal game play. If the tipping, entanglement, or damage is ruled to be intentional, the offending team may be disqualified from that match. Repeated offenses could result in a team being disqualified from the remainder of the competition. <G10> Robots must be designed to permit easy removal of balls from any grasping mechanism without requiring that the robot have power after the match. <G11> Field tolerances may vary by as much as +/-1, so teams must design their robots accordingly Hangin -A-Round Specific Game Rules <SG1> At the beginning of each match, the two alliance robots must be placed completely within their alliance zone, touching a wall and not touching any softball stack. <SG2> Prior to the start of each match, each alliance will have three (3) softballs available to preload into their robots. a. A softball is considered to be legally preloaded if it is touching the robot and not touching any part of the playing field or game objects. b. No robot may preload more than two (2) softballs. <SG3> A softball is not considered scored if it is being touched by a robot on an alliance of the same color at the conclusion of either period. <SG4> A robot cannot pin (inhibit the movement of an opposing robot while in contact with one or more field elements) an opposing robot for more than five seconds, if the opposing robot is not parked. If a referee determines this rule to be violated, the offending robot will be disabled for the match FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 14 of 39

15 Section The Tournament Table of Contents Section 3 The Tournament Overview Tournament Definitions Practice Matches Qualifying Matches Schedule Rankings Elimination Matches Alliance Selection Process Match Ladder Elimination Scoring Tournament Rules Small Tournament Structure FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 15 of 39

16 Section 3 The Tournament 3.1 Overview The FIRST Vex Challenge will be played in a tournament format. Each tournament will include practice, qualifying, and elimination matches. After the qualifying matches, teams will be ranked based on their performance. The top teams will then participate in the elimination matches to determine the event champions. 3.2 Tournament Definitions Alliance Captain A student chosen to represent their team during Alliance Selection for the final Elimination Matches. Alliance Selection The process of choosing the permanent alliances for the Elimination Matches. Crystal Assignment The designated radio frequency crystal that a team will use for a given match. These crystals will be provided to teams before each match. Elimination Match A match used to determine the championship alliance. Alliances of three face off in a best two of three series, with two teams playing in each match. The first alliance to win two matches will proceed to the next round. Practice Match An un-scored match used to provide time for teams to get acquainted to the official playing field. Qualifying Match A match used to determine the rankings for the Alliance Selection. Alliances compete to earn Qualifying Points and Ranking Points. Qualifying Points (QPs) The first basis of ranking teams. Qualifying Points are awarded for winning (two points) and tying (one point) a Qualifying Match. Ranking Points (RPs) The second basis of ranking teams. Ranking points are awarded in the amount of the score of the losing alliance in a Qualifying Match. 3.3 Practice Matches At the event Practice matches will be played in the morning during the team registration time until the Drivers Meeting begins. Every effort will be made to equalize practice time for all teams, but will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. These matches are not scored, and will not affect team ranking. 3.4 Qualifying Matches Schedule The qualifying match schedule will be available prior to opening ceremonies on the day of competition. This schedule will indicate alliance partners and match pairings. It will also indicate the alliance s color red or blue and your team s starting position for each match. This starting position is used to determine the placement of each team within the alliance station, as well as your crystal assignment FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 16 of 39

17 The qualifying matches will start immediately after opening ceremonies in accordance with the qualifying match schedule. Teams will be randomly assigned an alliance partner to compete against two randomly assigned opponents in each qualifying match. All teams will be scored on the same number of qualifying matches. In some cases, a team will be asked to play in an additional qualifying match, but will not receive credit for playing this extra match Rankings At the conclusion of each match, Qualifying Points (QP) will be issued: o Winning teams of a qualifying match receive two (2) QP o Losing teams of a qualifying match receive zero (0) QP o If a qualifying match ends in a tie, all four teams receive one (1) QP o If a team is disqualified they receive zero (0) QP All teams in each Qualifying Match will also receive Ranking Points (RP). o The number of ranking points assigned for each match, is that of the losing alliance s score. o In the event of a tie, both alliances will receive the same RP (equal to the tie score). o If a team is disqualified they receive zero (0) RP o If both teams on an alliance are disqualified, the teams on the winning Alliance will be awarded their own score as their RP for that match. For a qualifying match, if no member of a team is present in the driver station at the start of a match, that team is declared a no show and will receive zero (0) QP and zero (0) RP. Tournament Rankings & Tie Breakers Teams will be ranked on the basis of the sum of their Qualifying Points (QPs) If multiple teams have the same QP Total Teams will be sorted on the basis of the sum of their Ranking Points (RPs) If multiple teams have the same RP Total Teams will be sorted on the basis of their highest match score. If still tied, the next highest match score will be used until the tie is broken If multiple teams have identical match scores Teams will be sorted by a random electronic draw 2006 FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 17 of 39

18 3.5 Elimination Matches The alliance selection process will consist of two rounds of selection, such that eight alliance captains will form elimination alliances consisting of three teams. These eight alliances will participate in a tournament to determine the event champions. If a team is disqualified during an elimination match, then their entire alliance is disqualified, and the match will be recorded as a loss Alliance Selection Process Every team will choose a student to act as a team representative. o These student representatives will proceed to the playing field at the designated time to represent their teams in the alliance selection. There will be eight alliances formed in the alliance selection. In order of tournament ranking, the student representative of the highest ranked team not already in an alliance will be asked to step forward as an alliance captain to invite another available team to join their alliance. A team is available if they are not already part of an alliance, or have not already declined an alliance invitation. o If the team accepts, it is moved into that alliance. o If a team declines an invitation, they CANNOT be invited into another alliance, but are still available to select their own alliance if the opportunity arises. o If a team declines, the alliance captain from the inviting team must then extend another invitation. This process will continue until all eight alliance captains have been designated and chosen one alliance partner. The same method is used for each alliance captain's second choice. Any teams remaining after alliance eight makes their second choice will not compete in the Elimination Matches. During matches, two teams from an alliance will play on the field. Any team which sits out the first match in an elimination series, must play in the second match, with no exceptions. Teams should consider the robustness of the robots when picking alliance partners. Prior to each elimination match, the alliance captain must let the referee know which two teams will playing in the upcoming match Match Ladder The elimination matches will play in a ladder format as shown on the right. 1 st Seed 8 th Seed Quarter Final Elimination Scoring In the elimination rounds, teams do not get qualifying points; they get a win, loss or tie. Within each bracket of the Elimination Match Ladder, matches will be played to determine which alliance advances, as follows: The first alliance to win two matches advances. Any tied matches will be replayed until one alliance has two wins, and advances. 4 th Seed 5 th Seed 2 nd Seed 7 th Seed Quarter Final 2 Quarter Final 3 Semifinal 1 Finals Semifinal 2 3 rd Seed 6 th Seed Quarter Final FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 18 of 39

19 3.6 Tournament Rules <T01> Referees have ultimate authority during the competition. Their rulings are final. a. The referees will not review any recorded replays. b. Any questions for the referees must be brought forward by a student drive team member within the time period of two (2) matches. <T02> The only people permitted by the playing field are the three drive team members who are identified by the drive team badges. These badges are interchangeable. <T03> There are no time outs in the qualifying rounds; in the elimination rounds, each alliance will be allotted ONE time out of no more than three minutes. The matches must progress according to schedule. a. If a robot cannot report for a match, at least one member of the team should report to the field for the match. <T04> All team members, including coaches, must wear safety glasses or glasses with side shields while in the pit or alliance stations during matches. 3.7 Small Tournament Structure In the case that a tournament has less than 24 teams (the requisite amount to have eight full alliances), the tournaments will be played with one of the following structures. If there are less than 24 teams, but more than 16 teams o Alliances will still consist of three teams o The number of picking teams in the alliance selection will be equal to the amount of teams divided by three, less any remainder. (e.g. If there are 19 teams, 19/3 = picking teams) o The match ladder follows the same format as a full tournament, with byes being awarded when there is no applicable alliance. (e.g. If there are seven alliances, there would be no 8 th alliance, thereby awarding a bye to the 1 st alliance in the quarter-finals.) If there are less than 17 teams o Alliances will consist of two teams o The number of picking teams in the alliance selection will be equal to the amount of teams divided by two, less any remainder. (e.g. If there are 13 teams, 13/2 = picking teams) o The match ladder follows the same format as a full tournament, with byes being awarded when there is no applicable alliance. (e.g. If there are seven alliances, there would be no 8 th alliance, thereby awarding a bye to the 1 st alliance in the quarter-finals.) 2006 FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 19 of 39

20 Section The Robot Table of Contents Section 4 The Robot Overview Robot Rules Autonomous Programming Guidelines FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 20 of 39

21 Section 4 The Robot 4.1 Overview This chapter provides rules and requirements for the design and construction of your robot. A FIRST Vex Challenge robot is a remotely operated vehicle designed and built by a registered FIRST Vex Challenge student team to perform specific tasks when competing in Hangin -A-Round. Prior to competing at each event, all robots will have to pass an inspection. Refer to Appendix 1 for the Robot Inspection Guidelines and Appendix 4 for the Inspection Checklist. 4.2 Robot Rules There are specific rules and limitations that apply to the design and construction of your robot. Please ensure that you are familiar with each of these robot rules before proceeding with robot design. <R1> Only ONE robot will be allowed to compete per team in the FIRST Vex Challenge. Though it is expected that teams will make changes to their robot at the competition, a team is limited to only ONE robot. a. It is against the intent of this rule to compete with one robot, while a second is being modified or assembled. b. It is against the intent of this rule to switch back and forth between multiple robots during a competition. <R2> Every robot will be required to pass a full inspection before being cleared to compete. This inspection will ensure that all FVC robot rules and regulations are met. Initial inspections will take place during team registration/practice time. a. If significant changes are made to a robot, it must be re-inspected before it will be allowed to compete. b. All robot configurations must be inspected before being used in competition. c. Teams may be requested to submit to random spot-inspections by event personnel. Refusal to submit will result in disqualification. d. Referees or inspectors may decide that a robot is in violation of the rules. In this event, the team in violation will be disqualified and the robot will be barred from the playing field until it passes re- inspection. For further information on the inspection process please refer to Appendix 1, Robot Inspection Guidelines <R3> The following types of mechanisms and components are NOT allowed: a. Those that could potentially damage playing field components. b. Those that could potentially damage other competing robots. c. Those that pose an unnecessary risk of entanglement. <R4> At the beginning of any match, the maximum allowed size of a robot is 18 x 18 x 18. a. During inspections, robots will be placed into a sizing box which has interior dimensions matching the above size constraints. To pass inspection, a robot must fit within the box without exerting ANY force on the box walls or ceiling (i.e., if the robot cannot be held inside the constraints by the box itself). b. Robots may expand beyond their starting size constraints after the start of a match. c. Any restraints used to maintain starting size (i.e. zip ties, rubber bands, string, etc.) MUST remain attached to the robot for the duration of the match. <R5> Robot construction is constrained to the following: a. Any Official Vex Component may be used (except as limited below) FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 21 of 39

22 Only one (1) Vex Microcontroller Up to two (2) Vex Y-Cables Up to ten (10) Motors or Servos (Any combination, up to ten) Only one (1) Battery Pack from the Vex Power Pack (Vex P/N: ) Up to two (2) RF receivers The packaging, manual binders, Styrofoam, cardboard, plastic bags, etc. from the Vex kits are NOT included and CANNOT be used for robot construction. Only the Vex parts themselves are allowed. Note: Official Vex products are ONLY available from Vex or FIRST. Products on the VexLABS.com web site will denote what is available for use in this competition, not all products may apply. Products identical to those listed as competition legal on the site are also considered official Vex products. b. The following additional components may also be used: Ten (10) elastic bands, #32 size only 40 of 1/8 Nylon Rope 6 of 3/4 Wide Velcro 12 x 15 of Non-Slip Pad Any material strictly used as a color filter for a Vex Light Sensor c. Any parts which are identical to legal Vex parts may be used. d. Teams may add non-functional decorations from parts not on the above list, provided that these parts do not affect the outcome of the match, and must be in the spirit of Gracious Professionalism. e. No additional components may be used. <R6> All parts that are used must be tracked through a Bill of Materials (BOM). This list can be included in your Engineering Notebook. <R7> During inspections if there is a question about whether something is an official Vex component, a team will be required to provide documentation to an inspector, which proves the component s source. Such types of documentation include receipts, part numbers, or other printed documentation. <R8> No more than two transmitters may control a single robot during the tournament. No modification of the Vex transmitter is allowed of ANY kind. <R9> Parts may NOT be modified as follows: a. Motors, extension cords, sensors, controllers, battery packs, and any other electrical component of the Vex Robotics Design System may NOT be altered from their original state in ANY way. b. Welding, soldering, brazing, gluing, or attaching in any way that is not provided within the Vex System will NOT be allowed. i. Mechanical fasteners may be secured using Loctite or a similar thread-locking product. 1. This may be used for securing hardware ONLY. <R10> Robots must display their team number (numerals only, i.e ). a. The judges, referees, and announcers must be able to easily identify robots by team number. b. Team number must be visible from two sides of the robot (180 degrees apart). c. The numerals must each be at least three inches high, at least in 3/4-inch stroke width and in a contrasting color from their background. <R11> Robot receiver must be accessible by competition personnel. a. The radio crystal must be easily removed from the robot without any robot disassembly. b. The radio crystals will be provided to each team for each match FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 22 of 39

23 <R12> Robots must include a mounting device to securely hold one FVC Robot Identification Flag throughout an entire match. a. The flags will be provided at the event b. The flag tube dimensions are.250 OD x.200 ID x length with a triangular flag high x wide. c. For full details please refer to the following diagram 4.3 Autonomous Programming Guidelines Please go to for requirements concerning programming an FVC competition robot, or refer to the Programming Guide in Appendix FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 23 of 39

24 Section Engineering Notebooks Table of Contents Section 5 Engineering Notebooks Overview What is an Engineering Notebook? The Notebook Guidelines/Format Judge s Tips Virtual Help Notebook Examples FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 24 of 39

25 Section 5 Engineering Notebooks 5.1 Overview This section describes the requirements for creating the Engineering Notebook, including formatting guidelines, Judge s tips, and the use of various forms of engineering support. It also provides sample pages from an award winning FIRST Vex Challenge Engineering Notebook. 5.2 What is an Engineering Notebook? One of the goals of FIRST and the FIRST Vex Challenge is to recognize the engineering design process and the journey that a team makes during the phases of the problem definition, concept design, system-level design, detailed design, test and verification, and production. Throughout the building of your robot you will come across some obstacles, lessons learned, and the need to draw things out on paper. This is where you and your team will use an engineering notebook. These notebooks will follow your team from kickoff throughout the competitions. Judges will review your Engineering Notebook to better understand your journey, design, and team. Note: Refer to the judging criteria section of Section 7: Awards & Judging Criteria and the guidelines in Appendix 3 for more details on how your Engineering Notebook will be judged. 5.3 The Notebook Laboratory or documentation notebooks are available through your school or local stationary supply store. There are many different types to choose from, using the following criteria: Use a notebook with a stitched binding. Do not use a loose leaf or spiral bound notebook. Numbered pages are recommended (but not necessary) so that pages cannot be substituted or deleted. Only one Engineering Notebook will be required per team. 5.4 Guidelines/Format The FIRST Vex Challenge Engineering Notebook is a complete documentation of your team s robot design. This documentation should include sketches, discussions and team meetings, design evolution, processes, the Aha s!, obstacles and each team member s thoughts throughout the journey. So here are the guidelines: Write EVERYTHING down!! Engineering Notebooks should be organized enough to have an outsider understand your team and your journey. Entries should be in Permanent Ink. Start your notebook by introducing each team member and mentor with a brief biography of their name, age (or school year), interests, and reasons for joining your FIRST Vex Challenge team. Tip: Pictures along with the bios would serve as a great visual for the judges to get to know each member of your team. At the start of each day the team meets, start a fresh page. Your team number, date, and start/stop times should be recorded when starting a new page. Each day should start with two columns: Task Column What your team is doing and discovering? Reflection Columns Where your team records thoughts on what is happening and any questions that need to be answered. Entries should be made by every team member, initialed, and dated FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 25 of 39

26 All designs and changes to your robot should be recorded directly into your notebook. The inclusion of all elaborate details and sketches are preferable. Notes and calculations should be done in your notebook, NOT on loose paper. Tip: A judging panel is always interested to see a unique design or playing strategy. On the other hand, a design without the substance to support its reasoning will not be viewed as highly. In the case of an error, draw a single line through the incorrect data. Do NOT erase or use correction fluid. All corrections should be initialed and dated. Use both sides of a page. Never leave any white space: X out or Crosshatch all unused space, and don t forget to initial and date. To insert pictures or outside information into your notebook, tape the picture into your notebook and outline with permanent ink, to note that it was there in case it falls out. Tip: Pictures or sketches of your robot designs are recommended as part of a thorough documentation. 5.5 Judge s Tips Every notebook is a work in progress, forever changing and developing. Judges do not want to see a final copy notebook; they want the real thing complete with misspellings, stains, worn edges and wrinkled pages. Just remember to keep it real! When turning notebooks into the judges at your event, place sticky tabs at the top of the page on your top 6-12 best moments as a team. Judges will use these pages as their preliminary review of your notebook. Don t be afraid to customize your Engineering Notebook to reflect your team s personality! At the end of the season, this notebook will be a great piece of memorabilia for your team. 5.6 Virtual Help It is in the spirit of FIRST to bring the technical knowledge of an engineer to high school students to broaden their awareness and knowledge of the engineering world. For more information or any technical help with your Engineering Notebook, please visit the official Vex product forums at: Notebook Examples The following examples were taken from FVC Team 2 C.H.A.O.S. from Manchester High School Central in Manchester, New Hampshire. They were the 2005 Winners of the FIRST Vex Challenge Think Award for their outstanding Engineering Notebook FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 26 of 39

27 2006 FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 27 of 39

28 Section At The Event Table of Contents Section 6 At The Event Overview Tournament Event Agendas Courtesies and Rules Competition Overview Practice Rounds Judge s Interviews Match List Scouting Early Matches Team Spirit Team Styling Banners and Flags FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 28 of 39

29 Section 6 At The Event 6.1 Overview This section provides a general summary regarding a FIRST credo, mascots/uniforms, recommended items and equipment for teams to bring, pit rules, event schedules, registration, practice rules/time slots, and robot inspections. Please read the following to get a "feel" for competition schedules, registration procedures, practice times, and matches. 6.2 Tournament Event Agendas Schedules will be available through your local FVC Affiliate Partner prior to your tournament. 6.3 Courtesies and Rules You will hear the expression Gracious Professionalism often throughout your involvement in the FIRST Vex Challenge. One of our main goals is to encourage all team members to conduct themselves with kindness, consideration, and sharing. We hear heartwarming stories of teams sharing parts, helping to build and/or repair competing robots, and helping rookie teams avoid preventable pitfalls. These are examples of some side benefits of being involved with this organization. The pit is where the behind-the-scenes action is. The FIRST staff and volunteers want you to enjoy the competition. Please read the rules below so everyone can work and compete in a safe, sportsmanlike, friendly, and orderly manner. Please follow courtesy rules while in the pit as well as in the audience. We are trying to encourage support from our audiences at the regional events and the championship. We need continued and growing support from outside sources. Please help to make them comfortable. Bands: No live bands in the audience or pit. Battery Safety: Charge in an open, well-ventilated area. Fire Extinguishers: Located at the pit administration station and on the playing field. 2 Food: You cannot bring food on site at all. Not even as a promotion. Do not provide teams with candy, water, fruit, soft drinks, etc. This is to promote good will and the spirit of partnership with venues. Music/Noise: No loud music, audio systems, whistles, banging sticks, blow horns, etc. They interfere with announcements. They prevent teams from hearing important announcements, can be annoying, and can cause hearing loss. Power may be shut off and/or radio/cd player, noise makers confiscated. Phone lines: No free phone lines for internet access at all. Robot Operation: Robots in the practice area of the pit must be tethered to ensure that there not be any interference with the competition. Team Safety Captain: Each team appoints a safety captain who will help maintain safety at events, especially in the pit. He or she will remind attendees about: Safety Glasses: All team members and onlookers must wear safety glasses in the pit and on the playing field. If you wear glasses, you must wear safety goggles over them or wear attach safety side shields to them. Teams are required to bring enough safety glasses/goggles to supply its team members and its guests FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 29 of 39

30 Running: There is to be no running in the pit or in the competition arena. Painting: There will be no painting in the pit. Sales: Because of site regulations/contracts, FIRST cannot allow teams or individuals to sell items, such as T-shirts, pins, etc., at any events. Seat Saving: Not allowed, we need seats to get the public comfortable and interested. Two-way radios: These are not allowed in the pit or near the playing field since they may interfere with robot operation and cause accidents. 6.4 Competition Overview FIRST requires all teams to bring and supply safety glasses for its members and guests for each competition. Students and adult team members and guests must wear them to protect their eyes while working on the robot, when observing robot building/repair work, and while competing. Operators, players, and coaches will not be allowed on the competition field without them. Regular glasses and sunglasses do not qualify as safety glasses. You must wear safety goggles over them. Goggles are not required to be worn over regular glasses if the regular glasses are made of polycarbonate / plastic material similar to that in safety glasses and safety side shields are attached Practice Rounds The competition fields will be open to anyone who would like to practice before the opening ceremonies. Teams will only be allowed on the fields for practice during this time Judge s Interviews There will be a ten to fifteen-minute interview scheduled for every team to meet with the judge s throughout the event. Please have at least two student team representatives available; the entire team/robot are not required to attend, but are encouraged Match List The match list will be distributed to teams by competition personnel on the day of the tournament Scouting Teams often use the list for scouting other teams and their strategies. This is especially helpful when choosing alliances for the final rounds Early Matches If your team is in any of the first four matches on day of your event, volunteers will ask you to line up before the opening ceremonies. Matches begin right after its conclusion. Please, make sure your team is on time in case you have an early match Maintaining Schedule The queue team will work together throughout the days to line up teams for competition matches and maintain the schedules. It s important to pay attention to the match schedule and listen for announcements 2006 FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 30 of 39

31 throughout the day. You will need to know when you will compete, find out the number of the ending match before lunch, and which match designates the end of the tournament day. 6.5 Team Spirit Competing as a team is fun as well as rewarding. Part of the pleasure and reward of being a team member is the way the team stylizes itself with team T-shirts, trading buttons, hats, cheers, cheerleaders, and costumes Team Styling When deciding on a team name or acronym, consider how you can work a theme around it to make your team more fun and recognizable. Refer to Section 8: Team Resources for information Banners and Flags Sponsors provide FIRST with banners so we can display them in specified areas as a way of thanking them for their generosity. We encourage teams to bring team flags and/or sponsor banners, but we ask that you adhere to the following: Do not use them to section off seating. Saving group seats is not permitted. Hang banners in your pit station only, not on the pit walls. You may bring banners to the competition area, but please do not hang them there. This area is designated for official FIRST sponsors' banners FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 31 of 39

32 Section Judging & Awards Criteria Table of Contents 7.1 Overview FIRST Vex Challenge Awards Eligibility FIRST Vex Challenge Award Categories FIRST Vex Challenge Inspire Award FIRST Vex Challenge Amaze Award FIRST Vex Challenge Innovate Award FIRST Vex Challenge Connect Award FIRST Vex Challenge Think Award FIRST Vex Challenge Winning Alliance Award Judging Process, Schedule, and Team Preparation Judging Process Judging Schedule Team Preparation FIRST Vex Challenge Championship Event Eligibility FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 32 of 39

33 Section 7 Judging & Awards Criteria 7.1 Overview This chapter provides a complete description of all of the FIRST Vex Challenge Awards; the judging process, criteria and philosophy that teams will need to be aware of in preparation for participating at a FIRST Vex Challenge Tournament. In addition to winning points during the regional competition, the awards represent another positive way for mentors to instill important values like teamwork, creativity, innovation, and the value of the engineering design processes. As you read the criteria for each award please make sure to use the Judges Guidelines located in Appendix 3. These judging guidelines are a part of the road map to success. 7.2 FIRST Vex Challenge Awards Eligibility To ensure fairness to all teams and to provide equal opportunity for all teams to win an award at a FIRST Vex Challenge Championship Tournament, teams are only eligible to win an award at the first two Championship Tournaments that they attend. Those teams who compete in more then two Championship Tournaments do so for the purpose of being involved in the fun and excitement of the tournament and not with the intention of winning multiple awards. 7.3 FIRST Vex Challenge Award Categories FIRST Vex Challenge Inspire Award This formally judged award is given to the team that performs well in all categories, that impresses all other teams and who they would always want as an alliance partner and finally, the team the judges view that best exemplifies all components of the FIRST Vex Challenge philosophy. This team should serve as an inspiration to other teams. This team excels at the game challenge, acts with gracious professionalism and also understands how to communicate their experiences and knowledge to other teams, and the judges. Teams at the event will be given ballots that can be used to vote for the competitor that they feel should win the award. These votes, along with the criteria below, will be used by the judges to determine the ultimate winner. The team will be reviewed to have the following qualities: A team who is recognized by both peers and judges to demonstrate respect, gracious professionalism both for team members and fellow teams. A team who demonstrates good communications and teamwork skills within the team as well as with their alliances. A team that can communicate clearly about their robot design; its design impresses other FVC teams and the judges; and the robot consistently performs well during matches FIRST Vex Challenge Amaze Award During the course of the competition, the judging panel may encounter a team whose uniqure efforts, performance, or dynamics merit recognition. This judged award is given to the team that defies any other award category FIRST Vex Challenge Manual Page 33 of 39